Explanation
In January 2020, the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission presented final recommendations for police reform focused on areas such as de-escalation, crisis intervention, and implicit bias training; use of force policies; diversity recruitment and retention; and early intervention and officer wellness programs. Their recommendations were informed by and consistent with an independent operational review of the Columbus Division of Police conducted by Matrix Consulting.
Among their recommendations, the Commission recommended the City implement a process for independent investigation of: 1) officer use of force, including but not limited to, officer use of force resulting in death, officer involved shootings, and in-custody injuries and deaths; and 2) complaints about serious Columbus Division of Police officer misconduct.
In July 2020, consistent with the recommendations of the Columbus Community Safety Advisory Commission, Mayor Ginther and City Council announced their intent to place an issue on the November ballot to amend the City Charter to establish a civilian police review board and a Department of the Inspector General for the Columbus Division of Police. On November 3, 2020, Columbus voters overwhelmingly approved the amendment by nearly 75 percent.
In April 2021, Mayor Ginther appointed, with Columbus City Council’s concurrence, the inaugural members of the Columbus Civilian Police Review Board and on February 1, 2022, the Board appointed an Inspector General who was confirmed by the Mayor on February 2, 2022. The Inspector General is scheduled to take office on March 8, 2022. This ordinance amends the effective date of Columbus City Codes Section 235.05 by amending its enacting ordinance, 1169-2021, to allow for sufficient time to establish the Department of the Inspector General and to provide for a date certain when the Department will assume its statutory duties.
EMERGENCY DESIGNATION: An emergency exists in that it is nece...
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